And our Kansas City Chiefs (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/kansas-city-chiefs) draft interests table just got a little more interesting.
According to Doug Farrar of Yahoo! Sports (http://twitter.com/FO_DougFarrar/status/53484192222289921), Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara has a visit planned with the Kansas City Chiefs. He's also visited the Detroit Lions (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/detroit-lions) and has visits planned with the Cincinnati Bengals (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/cincinnati-bengals), Dallas Cowboys (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/dallas-cowboys) and San Francisco 49ers (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-francisco-49ers).

This is a very interesting workout even if it doesn't mean anything because Amukamara almost assuredly won't be around at the 21st pick. (He was picked seventh in the SB Nation 2011 NFL mock draft (http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2011/3/30/2071364/2011-nfl-mock-draft-prince-amukamara-49ers))

It brings up the Brandons -- Brandon Flowers (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/34470/brandon-flowers) and Brandon Carr (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/players/34463/brandon-carr). The former is entering the final year of his contract and the latter was reportedly tendered. That means the Chiefs have some work to do, and some decisions to make, if they hope to keep both long-term. There's no doubt both are very good players. In a perfect world, both of them stay in Kansas City. Unfortunately, finances come into play and it'll be difficult to keep both of them in Kansas City long-term considering cornerback tends to be one of the higher-paid positions in the league.

But it's good timing for this news to come out. In my interview with Chiefs GM Scott Pioli on Wednesday, I asked him if they spend anytime scouting players who are expected to be picked high in the draft when they're drafting at 21 like they are this year.

"We don't shut them off [but] we maybe don't do them as thoroughly," he said.
They do evaluate every player though, he said. He didn't mention this name but I will -- Blaine Gabbert. It doesn't make any sense for the Chiefs to spend a lot of time on someone like him because A.) he's likely not making it out of the top five and B.) a starting quarterback doesn't appear to be a high priority.

"For me to spend extra time on certain players that we know that there's no chance are going to make it to us, or that there's no real opportunity to trade up for...what you have to give up from 21 to get to a certain area in order to pick guys who will be top five picks, it doesn't make sense. But you still have to evaluate those players."

So I'm not exactly sure what Amukamara's visit to the Chiefs means, assuming the mock drafts are accurate and he's a likely top 10 pick. Perhaps it means Pioli feels there's a chance Amukamara falls to the Chiefs, or falls to an area where they could reasonably trade up. It's all a puzzle at this point so I'm not sure we can read too much into it but it's one of the more interesting workouts we've seen so far.

Detoxing

03-31-2011, 02:23 PM

I'll tell you what it means.

it means that if the Raiders, Chargers or Donks pick him, we'll have some background on him.

Mr. Laz

03-31-2011, 02:51 PM

I'll tell you what it means.

it means that if the Raiders, Chargers or Donks pick him, we'll have some background on him.yea or when his rookie contract expires we will have more info on him as a possible free agent.

BossChief

03-31-2011, 04:23 PM

If they draft Prince and let Carr walk, I will be disappoint.

warrior

03-31-2011, 05:06 PM

If they draft Prince and let Carr walk, I will be disappoint.

Me too. --IMO that would be pretty stupid.

Chiefnj2

03-31-2011, 05:16 PM

It means they might want to match up a real corner on a TE who is killing us in the playoffs.

WV

03-31-2011, 05:21 PM

Just doing their due diligence.....Half of the draft is forcing others to fear what you may do with your pick, so you always visit with the top guys.

Pestilence

03-31-2011, 05:35 PM

Just doing their due diligence.....Half of the draft is forcing others to fear what you may do with your pick, so you always visit with the top guys.

This.

And they aren't bringing him in on the off chance that he becomes a FA 5 years down the road. That's the dumbest shit I've ever heard.

BigMeatballBillay

03-31-2011, 06:15 PM

Prince > Carr

But yes it would be stupid CB isn't a need.

HotRoute

03-31-2011, 07:56 PM

Any possibility pioli moves up to get him?

Mr. Laz

03-31-2011, 09:00 PM

This.

And they aren't bringing him in on the off chance that he becomes a FA 5 years down the road. That's the dumbest shit I've ever heard.
it's not going to be 5 yrs if they get a new rookie scale ... it will be 4 yrs, maybe even 3 yrs. The chiefs have already talked about looking at guys in the draft even if they don't think they are going to draft them just so they have more info on them later on.

Bump

03-31-2011, 09:23 PM

Prince > Carr

But yes it would be stupid CB isn't a need.

um, no. Carr had a great season and to say that he's already better than Carr is just idiotic bro.

Wilson8

03-31-2011, 10:14 PM

An NFL team can bring in up to 30 players for pre-draft visits. Local players do not count against the 30 player limit. Do not know if Nebraska would be considered a local team for the Chiefs.

It's always a good idea to know who you want on your team as-well-as the players going to the other teams. It makes sense to visit with as many good players as you can.

Dante84

04-01-2011, 12:05 AM

Prince > Carr

But yes it would be stupid CB isn't a need.

prince - 0 snaps

Carr - 2 proven seasons

BigMeatballBillay

04-01-2011, 12:14 AM

prince - 0 snaps

Carr - 2 proven seasons

If you think Prince doesn't project to be better than Carr idk what to tell you.

Dante84

04-01-2011, 12:27 AM

If you think Prince doesn't project to be better than Carr idk what to tell you.

Project? yes, he certainly does, even though Carr looks to be a stud next season after a very strong last year.

Is he currently better? no.

milkman

04-01-2011, 06:13 AM

If you think Prince doesn't project to be better than Carr idk what to tell you.

Carr has developed and progressed from a small school project to one of the top 20 CBs in the league, and with continued progress could well be among the best in the league.

So no, Prince doesn't necessarily project to be better.

BigMeatballBillay

04-01-2011, 11:28 AM

Carr has developed and progressed from a small school project to one of the top 20 CBs in the league, and with continued progress could well be among the best in the league.

So no, Prince doesn't necessarily project to be better.

:hmmm: A top 10 pick whos projected to be a #1 corner on a team isn't projected to be better than a #2 CB? Carr is improved but he's still not a #1 corner.

Detoxing

04-01-2011, 11:41 AM

:hmmm: A top 10 pick whos projected to be a #1 corner on a team isn't projected to be better than a #2 CB? Carr is improved but he's still not a #1 corner.

Carr would be a #1 corner on a lot of teams in the NFL. Carr was our best Corner last year, better than Flowers.

You've been smokin' too much bud dude.

Bump

04-01-2011, 12:04 PM

If you think Prince doesn't project to be better than Carr idk what to tell you.

it doesn't mean shit until they actually play. Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart projected to be better than Matt Cassel, but we all see what's happening IRL. Get a grip man.

BossChief

04-01-2011, 12:10 PM

Not surprised to see that Billay still thinks Carr isn't that good...at least he still doesn't say he is absolutely terrible.

Carr > Prince

Chiefnj2

04-01-2011, 12:21 PM

For everyone who thinks Carr is better than Prince.

Assuming KC had Carr under contract, does anyone think KC could get a 1st round pick for him? A top 15 pick (which is where it looks like Prince will end up)???

Pestilence

04-01-2011, 01:22 PM

For everyone who thinks Carr is better than Prince.

Assuming KC had Carr under contract, does anyone think KC could get a 1st round pick for him? A top 15 pick (which is where it looks like Prince will end up)???

Considering that Prince hasn't played a fucking down in the NFL......right now Carr is better than Prince.

BigMeatballBillay

04-01-2011, 01:30 PM

Not surprised to see that Billay still thinks Carr isn't that good...at least he still doesn't say he is absolutely terrible.

Carr > Prince

Wait a minute where in this thread did I say Carr wasn't that good? I never said that. I even went as to say that CB isn't a need for this team.

Detoxing

04-01-2011, 01:35 PM

For everyone who thinks Carr is better than Prince.

Assuming KC had Carr under contract, does anyone think KC could get a 1st round pick for him? A top 15 pick (which is where it looks like Prince will end up)???

If we could, someone would pony up for him considering that's what he's tendered at. I highly doubt anyone would though.

Especially with guys like Nnamdi and Cromartie set to hit the market.

Chiefnj2

04-01-2011, 02:58 PM

Considering that Prince hasn't played a ****ing down in the NFL......right now Carr is better than Prince.

Why would a team be willing to give a top 10 pick for the unproven player, but not Carr?

BossChief

04-01-2011, 05:37 PM

The ONLY thing Carr hasnt put on display is superior ball skills to almost any corner in the NFL.

If he has a season where he gets like 7 or 8 interceptions, he would be a guy you could get a first rounder and another pick for.

To me, I dont give two shits about that. Id rather have a guy that is beyond solid in coverage that doesnt take the big risks, instead is a solid tackler and bats the ball down and only gets interceptions off poorly thrown balls and not because he took the risk or screwing over his teammates to go for the selfish interception.

Carr has NFL speed, quickness, instincts, tackling ability, understands angles, is a great teammate, VERY humble...basically the epitome of "right 53" IMO.

I'm glad Herm made his selection his birthday present. Getting Flowers and Carr in that draft without either being a first rounder was FANTASIC...especially when we got Carr in the 5th round.

Tribal Warfare

04-01-2011, 06:29 PM

The ONLY thing Carr hasnt put on display is superior ball skills to almost any corner in the NFL.

If he has a season where he gets like 7 or 8 interceptions, he would be a guy you could get a first rounder and another pick for.

To me, I dont give two shits about that. Id rather have a guy that is beyond solid in coverage that doesnt take the big risks, instead is a solid tackler and bats the ball down and only gets interceptions off poorly thrown balls and not because he took the risk or screwing over his teammates to go for the selfish interception.

Carr has NFL speed, quickness, instincts, tackling ability, understands angles, is a great teammate, VERY humble...basically the epitome of "right 53" IMO.

I'm glad Herm made his selection his birthday present. Getting Flowers and Carr in that draft without either being a first rounder was FANTASIC...especially when we got Carr in the 5th round.

Like your boy Moeaki ;)

aturnis

04-01-2011, 09:09 PM

Like your boy Moeaki ;)

Moe was a 3rd, and we traded up to get him, so he cost more than that actually. Are you thinking of Kendrick Lewis?

Tribal Warfare

04-01-2011, 11:07 PM

Moe was a 3rd, and we traded up to get him, so he cost more than that actually. Are you thinking of Kendrick Lewis?

No, just the idea of getting something better than the market price ect... I.E. "playing with house money"

aturnis

04-01-2011, 11:35 PM

Oh, I get it! :D

Pasta Giant Meatball

04-02-2011, 09:49 AM

:whackit: But, but, but there were 15 other TE's they could have drafted that would have stepped in and done what Moe did as a rook

ASS11

04-02-2011, 09:59 AM

If we draft a CB in the first three rounds my opinion of Pioli will bottom out without recovery.

Footballoutsiders does a good job of tracking the stats and then trying to make comparisons between players. They track how many times thrown at, YAC, average pass distance, yards per pass, etc...

Javier Arenas is ranked 6th for yards per pass but that's going to be skewed because he was covering short route slot receivers.

Travis Daniels is a free agent so if the Chiefs could find another gem like Carr in the later rounds, I could see it being worth a draft pick.

If the Chiefs use an early round draft pick on a CB or DE, it is a fail in their over all plan to build the roster where it needs to be for championships.

Carr and Flowers would be even higher if we had someone besides Hali to get after the QB too...Hopefully Flowers stays healthy all of next year

Wilson8

04-02-2011, 01:48 PM

Carr and Flowers would be even higher if we had someone besides Hali to get after the QB too...Hopefully Flowers stays healthy all of next year

Good point.

The Chiefs cornerbacks play would improve with adding good defensive players in other positions, outside linebacker, nose tackle, and free safety. I'd like somebody to compete with Lewis at FS. Lewis played well for a 5th round pick in his first year, but we need to keep improving. Maybe Sheffield or Studebaker can improve the OLB spot or it might take another draft pick or free agent. A dominant nose tackle would also do wonders in improving the defense.

Also improving the offense would actually help the D. An improved line allows us to keep the offense on the field and allow the defense less time defending. A good WR might make the difference in converting the 3rd down on a catch.

Thank you. I wasn't a big fan of Herman Edwards as a coach and not sure of his exact role in the players that were drafted, but we have some good players from that time period.

I hoped that Scott and Todd would be pretty good. Donald Washington has another year to try and do something as a DB. When Javier Arenas was drafted in the 2nd round, the return man part was good, but I wanted a better cover corner. If you look at his stats though and compare to other guys drafted after Javier, KC did ok with him.

BigMeatballBillay

04-02-2011, 08:15 PM

Thank you. I wasn't a big fan of Herman Edwards as a coach and not sure of his exact role in the players that were drafted, but we have some good players from that time period.

I hoped that Scott and Todd would be pretty good. Donald Washington has another year to try and do something as a DB. When Javier Arenas was drafted in the 2nd round, the return man part was good, but I wanted a better cover corner. If you look at his stats though and compare to other guys drafted after Javier, KC did ok with him.

Javier exceeded my expectations as a nickel back last year. I'll say this though and it's not just because I'm a Nebraska homer but I'd love to see us draft Dejon Gomes to replace Washington. Dudes a beast and a great leader who'll be a steal in the 6th round.

The Bad Guy

04-03-2011, 07:13 AM

If we draft a CB in the first three rounds my opinion of Pioli will bottom out without recovery.

I'm sure he's crushed.

JimBaker48.8

04-10-2011, 11:16 AM

I've seen Prince play very little, so here's what I hear about him: he's got excellent speed and size, is very physical but has real dificiencies in his pass-coverage skills ? Would this evaluation be way-off or about-right ?

Chiefshrink

04-10-2011, 11:29 AM

Just doing their due diligence.....Half of the draft is forcing others to fear what you may do with your pick, so you always visit with the top guys.

This!! Nothing like good poker play to manipulate the hands of your opponents while getting info for the future:thumb: